The Duchess of Alba + the Liria Palace

First of all, let me say that the April issue of World of Interiors was Christmas-present good. Almost better than when my six-year-old self received Samantha Parkington from Santa (click here to see my special portrait with her... I commissioned it in kindergarten). Anyway, in addition to featuring Olympia Le-Tan's new showroom, the issue also showcased the Liria Palace, the Madrid home of the Duchess of Alba. Check out those 18th-century masked portraits by Domenico Maggiotto in the emerald sitting room - are they not the most amazing paintings you've ever seen? And those chintz sofas and needlepoint pillows? I can't even handle it. In the article, World of Interiors mentioned that the Liria Palace is open to the public one day a week - I'm determined to visit! A 1983 New York Times piece reported that alongside priceless Goyas, Rembrandts and rare porcelain figurines are "photographs of family parties and a collection of perfume bottles." Sounds rather lovely, don't you think?

(photos by Ricardo Labougle for World of Interiors)

une citation

"Half the time, I don't know what's going on.
But I love it."

-Maira Kalman

my favorite fragrances

A few weeks ago, I  dragged my brother to Sephora and had him help me pick out a new perfume (cruel, I know. but in my defense, I had just helped him pick out a pair of shoes!). We smelled a ton of fragrances and weren't too impressed... until we tested Vera by Vera Wang. Have you tried it? It's so yummy! I bought a little bottle and have worn it every day since. Another favorite fragrance of mine is Creed's Spring Flowers. My best friend in high school, Mallory, wore it and I love. Perhaps that it was created for Audrey Hepburn has something to do with it, too? :) I also like Fracas, which was recommended to me by my friend Caroline. Similar to Spring Flowers, it's a classic floral loved by tastemakers - Sofia Coppola told Vanity Fair it was her go-to (see all of her favorite things here). Have you tried anything yummy lately? 

(images via Elle Japan) 

on this day in history...

1942:
Aretha Franklin was born in
Memphis, Tennessee. 

this week in pictures

A few highlights of my week! 1. Loved seeing Zelda Fitzgerald in Thursday's WSJ - the article was a rather fun lunch read (and as my friend katie said, her new book looks so good!) 2. Halls Plaza recently opened a Jo Malone boutique. This is big time news for us Kansas Citians 3.  I visited Forever 21 on the Country Club Plaza after work   Friday and I was shocked by how organized it was. Those stores are usually war zones! 4. The last page in today's T Magazine reminded me of how fantastic Chateau Marmont is and how much I want to go back (/permanently live there) 5. Last week in Kansas City, it was eighty degrees. This weekend, it snowed a foot. The weather here is insane 6. I had the pleasure of admiring my favorite China pattern on Friday... It's ridiculously expensive, but someday it will be mine! All images via my instragram... As you can see, I spend way to much time taking photographs :)